Fire Investigators, Gawkers Visit Burned-Out Bala Cynwyd House

Local and state fire officials combed through 302 Penbree Circle on Wednesday, after gutted the Cape Cod house while its owner was out.

Investigators are seeking the precise cause of the fire, which Lower Merion Fire Chief Chas McGarvey said is believed to have started in the basement of the home, built in 1956.

A police officer who was among the first to enter the burning home was treated Tuesday night for smoke inhalation at Lankenau Hospital and released "shortly thereafter," Police Capt. Bill Boegly said Wednesday.

Painter Irma Shapiro, 77, was at an art class Tuesday night while relatives at the fire scene tried in vain to reach her for more than an hour, McGarvey said. They finally succeeded about 10:30 p.m., just after several local fire companies controlled the blaze.

No residents or emergency personnel besides the officer were injured; however, a pet of Shapiro's died in the fire, Commissioner George Manos said at Wednesday night's township meeting.

Shapiro had not returned a phone message from Patch by midday Wednesday. Manos told Patch, "The homeowner has relatives nearby and should have support as she faces this terrible situation."

While investigators worked Wednesday morning, one car after another drove up the cul-de-sac, stopped at the end for a few moments to look at the house, then turned and departed.